Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – Filicheto
DOCG Red
Purchased: Majestic £7.99 (after £2 price reduction)
Strength: 13% (9.8 Units)
Grape: 90% Sangiovese 10% Canaiolo Nero. Aged for 24 months in oak casts.
Sangiovese is the most widely planted red grape variety in Italy. It has strong associations with its spiritual home Tuscany, although it is also common in each of the other central Italian wine regions. The grape’s name translates literally as ‘Blood of Jove’ ), it is the principal vine variety for the majority Tuscany’s fine wines. It is the sole grape variety permitted for the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino, and is also dominant in Vino Nobile de Montepulciano.
Throughout Tuscany, Sangiovese is now often blended withCabernet Sauvignon, whether for Chianti (where Cabernet Sauvignon must not exceed 15%) or Vino da Tavola.
Taste: Layers of violet, cherry, tobacco and soft spices.Medium-plus body with well integrated tannins and a long dry finish.
When to have: Best with food. Perfect with roasts or game meat
Storage instructions: Ready for immediate drinking but can be stored for up to ten years.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is one of the leading Italian wines that have put Tuscany, central Italy, on the world map. Its name derives from the picturesque hill town of Montepulciano, south-east of Siena. This area is centuries old and dates back to the Etruscans, if not earlier. In its prime during the 15th century, it was a favorite among the local Sienese aristocracy, and in the 16th century it was revered by Pope Paul III, who spoke of the wine’s excellent qualities. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano was written about in the poem ‘Bacco in Toscana’ (Bacchus in Tuscany) by Francesco Redi, who described it as ‘the king of all wines’, and the wine was also mentioned by renowned French writer Voltaire in his bookCandide.